Experience magical Lake Baikal winter or summer

It is said that Lake Baikal is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years old) as well as the deepest lake in the world (1,700m). This beautiful lake, located in the southern part of eastern Siberia in Russia contains 20% of the world’s total unfrozen freshwater reserve. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Towns in the area

Listvyanka, Irkutsk Oblast, the most popular destination with accommodation

Barguzin, Buryatia, located near Barguzin National Park

Severobaikalsk, Buryatia, the city in the north with hotel accommodation

Slyudyanka, the southmost village

Ready Made Packages

Interesting Facts:

Volume: It contains about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserve, holding approximately 23,600 cubic kilometers (5,662 cubic miles) of water. This volume is more than all of the North American Great Lakes combined!
Biodiversity Hotspot: Lake Baikal is home to an incredible array of unique flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. It’s considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, hosting thousands of plant and animal species, with around 80% of its fauna being endemic.
Endemic Species: The lake is famous for its unusual and diverse inhabitants, including the Baikal seal (nerpa), the only freshwater seal species in the world, and the Golomyanka, a translucent fish species that lives at extreme depths.

Crystal Clear Water: The water in Lake Baikal is exceptionally clear, with visibility reaching up to 130 feet (40 meters) in some areas. Its purity is attributed to the lack of industrial pollution and the presence of unique microorganisms that help maintain water clarity.

Sacred Status: Lake Baikal holds deep spiritual significance for the indigenous Buryat people and is considered a sacred site. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural value and importance for scientific research.

Winter Phenomenon: In winter, Lake Baikal transforms into a mesmerizing landscape, with its surface freezing over and forming incredible ice formations. Visitors can enjoy activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and even driving across the frozen surface.

Summer Recreation: During the summer months, Lake Baikal usually offers a plethora of recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, hiking along its scenic shores, and exploring the surrounding mountains and forests.

Accessible Destinations: The lake is accessible from various points along its shores, including the city of Irkutsk, which serves as a gateway for tourists wanting to explore this natural wonder.

Top Adventure

A Grand Crossing of Lake Baikal is something special.

If you love adventure, this is a unique and one of the best tours and travel experiences of your life. Crossing the deepest part of the legendary Lake Baikal, in the middle of nowhere or that is what it feels like.

Imagine Yourself

“Imagine yourself standing on the shore of the great Lake Baikal. Before you is the snow-white surface of a frozen lake, and behind untouched Taiga. You feel how the cold wind of Lake Baikal touches your face, pricking it with cold as if with small needles. Towards the end of the route, many travelers, especially impressed by the nature of the lake, rethink the simple things of life.” – Viator

Closest Town and Best to stay in

The small, picturesque town of Listvyanka (Russian: Листвя́нка leest-VYAHN-kuh) is the closest town to Lake Baikal. Definitely a must stop tourist destination whenever you are in the region. Situated in Irkutsk Oblast on the shores of Lake Baikal, it is also known as the Baikal Riviera.